Realtor was trailblazer for women in Elgin

Lifelong Elgin resident Audrey Schick was a pioneer among, and mentor to, the community's women.

The real estate agent and first female president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce died this week after a battle with cancer. She was 66.

"She really paved the way for a lot of women in business in the city," said her daughter Cathy Hurlbut, a Kane County Board member and attorney.

After graduating from Elgin High School, Schick took a job at Sears, where she met her future husband, Eugene.

"He was in the service and, after coming home, took some real estate classes as part of the G.I. Bill," Hurlbut said. "He inspired her to take some classes, too. As it turns out, she became the Realtor, and he stuck with Sears."

Schick founded Century 21 New Heritage Real Estate in Elgin in 1978. In 29 years, the business grew to include three other offices in Hampshire, Huntley and Marengo.

In 1987, she became one of the first two female members of the Elgin Rotary Club.

"This was an incredible honor," said Carol Gieske, vice president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, who was inducted into Rotary alongside Schick.

According to Gieske, Schick carried herself with a very professional demeanor.

"She obviously possessed incredible leadership skills, which people respected," she said. "If you had a question and asked her advice, most likely, you came away with a real understanding of an issue."

Despite her busy work schedule, Schick also made time to laugh and dance. "She was one of Elgin's Hiawatha Dancers at two points in her life -- in high school and when we were kids," Hurlbut said. "This was very difficult, but she was great."

In addition to Hurlbut, Schick is survived by her husband and daughters Caroline Ellsworth and Christine Studt. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the American Cancer Society.